Astrophysics & Astrophotography

Dr. Travis A. Rector

HFG1

HFG1 is a planetary nebula that was produced by a binary star system (V664 Cas) that is moving rapidly through our Galaxy. The star is moving towards the upper-right of the image. As HFG1 plows through the interstellar medium, a bluish bowshock is produced; and a red trail of gas is left behind in its wake. The planetary nebula Sh2-188, which is also in this image gallery, also has an asymmetric shape because of its rapid motion through space.